Like most gadgets, your iPad needs to be taken care of to keep it running well. Although it does not require as much care as a laptop or desktop, it still needs a little bit of maintenance. In this article, we have listed down ways for you to take proper care of your iPad and keep it in check so that it can be of use to you for as long as it can.

Don’t leave it chargingYou shouldn’t be leaving your iPad to charge all day and night. Overcharging it will only reduce its battery life. Avoid completely draining its battery as well. It’s best to let the battery down to 5% or less and then plug it in to charge. To help get the most out of your iPad’s battery life, you should also shut it down every now and then. Powering it down once a week can help extend its life.

Keep iOS UpdatedUpdating your iPad not only gives it more features, it also downloads the latest security updates too. Since iOS products are becoming more ubiquitous, there has been an increase in malware directed to target it. Updating your iPad equips it with better defenses. It also fixes old bugs found in the previous versions, making your iPad to run more effectively.

Add a passcode
Keeping your iPad secure from others is very important. Others may reconfigure its settings or come across personal or sensitive information. Adding a passcode can remedy this. It allows you to leave your iPad without having to worry about someone using it without your permission. If you can, you should also add biometric protection to your iPad. This ensures its security to privacy even more.

Use a screen protector
Although an iPad’s screen is made of a relatively durable material, it is the area of the iPad that is most likely to get damaged first since it receives the most contact. Using a screen protector is one way to safeguard your iPad’s screen from unwanted scratches and cracks. Make sure to apply it after its screen has been thoroughly cleaned as well. It is best to apply the screen after washing your hands so that oils will not end up on the screen when the protector is being placed.

Use a protective case
Since the iPad is designed to be extremely thin, a simple accidental drop may severely damage it. The best preventive measure is to suit it up with a protective case. There is a great selection of iPad cases to choose from. It is suggested to pick one that is made of durable material and fits the iPad’s form. Avoid loose-fitting cases as they are usually used for aesthetic purposes and provide little protection for the iPad.

Conclusion
Maintaining your iPad isn’t a process that falls under a long and tedious checklist. All you have to know is the hazards that are most likely to damage it and keep it away from those. Make sure you keep it protected, avoid overcharging it, keep it away from moisture and extreme temperatures and you’re good to go. Make it a point to clean it every now and then when you can find the time to do so as well and you’ll have your iPad running smoothly and effectively.

Be sure to visit macfixit.com.au for all your favorite Apple and Apple-compatible products and accessories.

DH2i CEO and co-founder Don Boxley and I had a good discussion about the new version (v17) of DxEnterprise. Don explains that this major upgrade is something you’ll want if you’re a current DxEnterprise user and something you want to consider if you’re not. DxEnterprise is a multi-platform, smart availability platform for your virtual machines. If you want to know what smart availability is and all of version 17’s new enterprise features are, listen to the podcast. Technical folks will love the new platform and its extreme availability features. I have to say that I’m impressed and if you know me, you know that’s not an easy thing to do.

The new version gives you Linux, Windows, and Docker smart availability with reduced complexity. Business continuity, as we say in the podcast, is an essential feature of any service these days and that’s exactly what you’ll get with DxEnterprise v.17.

From a system administrator point-of-view, I can live with less complexity, more uptime, greater flexibility, and broader support for my enterprise systems.

RESTON, Va. – August 28, 2017 – Today, Public Interest Registry, the not-for-profit operator of the .org, .ngo and .ong domains, debuted the findings of its first Internet 101 Survey[1], a study testing basic internet knowledge among U.S. internet users of all ages and backgrounds. The results underscore the need for widespread internet education among users and spotlight critical issues from net neutrality to global internet access disparities. Public Interest Registry’s Internet 101 Survey also reinforces the organization’s goal to provide useful information for individuals and companies on topics ranging from internet operations to online security to help users more safely and effectively harness the power of the World Wide Web.

Internet Knowledge – Perception vs. Reality

The survey found that while 84 percent of people reported they are “knowledgeable” about the internet, there’s a significant gap between perception and reality. For instance, only 20 percent of consumers knew that the World Wide Web is different from the internet. The below results show how basic internet facts can stump many internet users.

Only 29 percent of participants correctly identified the meaning of HTTP, with 31 percent admitting outright they did not know the meaning of the term

68 percent of people could not identify the decade when the World Wide Web was invented

Only 31 percent of users could correctly define a “domain name system”

Less than half of participants correctly identified HTTPS as a more secure protocol that’s safer to share personal or financial information

While the survey revealed a handful of widely held misconceptions about the internet, consumers did fare slightly better on the below questions.

Most participants (59 percent) correctly defined a URL as another term for a web address

66 percent of people correctly identified a domain name from a browser, an email address and a social media handle

A total of 80 percent of users knew that they could find official information from their Congressman at a .gov domain name

Battle of the Ages – Millennials vs. Boomers

Millennials may have grown up using the internet, but users from the boomer generation are more knowledgeable than both millennials and Generation X when it comes to basic information about the internet, from online safety to internet operations. Here are a few areas where boomers outpaced their younger counterparts.

More baby boomers could identify a safe site (47 percent) than millennial or Generation X users.

34 percent of boomers compared to 29 percent of millennials knew the World Wide Web was created in the 1980’s

More boomers knew the correct percentage of the world’s population with access to the internet than the other age groups surveyed

“The survey revealed that 50 percent of U.S. internet users think more people globally are connected to the internet than actually are, which is a reminder of the work that must be done to close the global internet education and the internet access gap,” said Public Interest Registry CEO Brian Cute. “Public Interest Registry hopes this survey will not only educate, but also help spark dialogue around internet issues such as access, cybersecurity threats and more.”

Internet 101 – What You Should Know

There’s a lot for users to learn about the internet – how it works and the issues impacting future internet regulation and access. Of those surveyed, the average user has been online for 17 years, which shows that long term internet use alone does not equate to a better understanding of this powerful tool. Users must be provided the resources they need to more confidently use the internet. Below are few facts to get up to speed on the basics.

A total of 47 percent of the world’s population has access to the Internet, which amounts to approximately 3.9 billion people globally who are not online.[2]

The correct definition of the internet is a system of interconnected networks that allows different computers to connect with one another.

The World Wide Web is not the same as the internet, it is an information system on the Internet that allows documents to be connected to other documents by hypertext links.

The World Wide Web was invented in 1989 by Tim Berners-Lee in a paper called “Information Management: A Proposal.” The concept was initially deemed “vague, but exciting” by Berners-Lee’s boss.

The HTTP at the beginning of a website stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol, the standard over which data is sent between a browser and a site.

A site that begins with HTTPS is a secure site that is safer to insert credit card info or personal information. The “S” at the end stands for secure and means that communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.

HTML is the standard language for creating websites, but a variety of web development languages such as Java and Python exist to help make webpages more dynamic and complex.

Public Interest Registry is a nonprofit organisation that operates the .org top-level domain — the world’s third largest “generic” top-level domain with more than 10.4 million domain names registered worldwide – and the. ngo and .ong domains, and OnGood community website. Public Interest Registry also operates four Internationalized Domain Names to support and encourage local language use of the Internet. As an advocate for collaboration, safety and security on the internet, Public Interest Registry’s mission is to educate and enable the global noncommercial community to use the internet more effectively, and to take a leadership position among internet stakeholders on policy and other issues relating to the domain naming system. Public Interest Registry was founded by the Internet Society (internetsociety.org) in 2002 and is based in Reston, Virginia, USA.

September 14, 2017 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce T-RackS 5, a cutting-edge mixing and mastering system for Mac® and PC, will be available in October 2017 and is now open for pre-order. T-RackS 5 is the most powerful mix and master modular system ever, offering maximum versatility with 4 all-new processors for a total of 38 high-quality modules on a flexible 16 processor series/parallel chain, an unrivaled audio engine, a complete broadcast-ready professional metering section, a new completely redesigned, resizable interface as well as an album assembly section with multi-format export.

IK Multimedia created T-RackS in 1999, and has been leading the way, evolving and expanding the collection while setting an industry standard and crafting some of the world’s best sounding plug-ins for professional applications. It’s no coincidence that thousands of top-charting records have been made using T-RackS. Now T-RackS 5 has been re-mastered to be more powerful than ever before providing everything necessary to take raw mixes to a perfect finished product ready for digital delivery or CD printing.

A growing collection
In T-RackS 5 there are now 38 incredible modules to choose from to build the perfect studio setup including 4 all-new additions to the collection:

The Master Match module is a new type of plug-in that automatically matches the sound of a mix with up to 3 other reference tracks using highly sophisticated algorithms. Thanks to this new powerful module, it’s easy to create great sounding masters without the need for any previous audio engineering experience or specialized skills.

Based on an iconic American coveted piece of hardware, the new Dyna-Mu vari-mu compressor/limiter is praised for its subtle but instantly recognizable sonic fingerprint. Thanks to its transformers and all-tube modeled heart, it can impart an audible magic which glues all the parts of a mix together.

The new EQual digital equalizer is a 10-band, ultra-clear, high-end parametric equalizer with an extremely transparent sound, a full-screen resizable interface for ultra-precise editing and a vast array of filter shapes that replicate the typical curves of legendary British and American analog EQ’s. This “hybrid monster” offers the best of both worlds: digital precision with ultra-detailed editing and on-demand analog character.

Conceived as an “all-in-one” solution, the new ONE mastering processor has been designed for easy, streamlined and straightforward audio finalization. It includes an EQ, compressor, analog harmonic exciter, low-end enhancer and limiter that will let anyone achieve professional quality results in a snap.

Work with flexibility
T-RackS 5 offers the freedom and flexibility to optimize the mixing and mastering setup with 3 working environments:

– The standalone suite makes T-RackS 5 a complete, self-contained, one-stop mixing and mastering workstation that allows users to load a set of audio tracks and perform several operations.

– The plug-in suite provides nearly all the standalone mode features within the environment of a DAW as the most powerful channel strip or mastering chain available today as a plug-in.

– All T-RackS processors (including metering) can also be used as single plug-ins in any compatible DAW for multi-track mixing and stereo mastering duties.

New streamlined, resizable interface
The all-new graphic user interface is designed to control everything from a single window, smoother and faster than ever. Plus, it’s fully resizable, meaning it can utilize up to the full size of a display. The new flexible chain view allows the modules to be dropped into the 16-processor series/parallel signal chain at will directly from the sidebar carousel showing all T-RackS available modules.

Audiophile-grade audio engine
More sonically powerful than ever, T-RackS 5 now supports audio up to 192kHz / 32 bit floating point, with mastering for high-definition music platforms and distribution without ever leaving its single interface, including 4 dithering options to choose from. The internal resampling engine delivers nothing less than best-in-class performance including DDM (Digital Delivery Mastering) on the output from the final limiting stage, offering an additional layer of protection against inter-sample peaks and overshoots.

Broadcast-ready metering
T-RackS 5 includes a comprehensive suite of metering tools that provide immediate and complete visual information about the audio material content. The new precision loudness LUFS meter is compliant with all leading professional reference standards for music delivery or broadcasting. Peak, RMS and Dynamic Range meters provide useful information about the dynamic response of mixes. The spectrogram, real-time analyzer, phase and correlation meters also help to spot frequency imbalances and phase problems. M/S meters included gather information about the relations between the mono and the stereo content. Additionally, T-RackS 5’s new metering section can be launched as a separate floating window.

Album assembly
Now it’s possible to assemble a full-length production directly within the T-RackS 5 interface and create an album sequence with suitable track metadata including pauses, fades, track ID’s, ISRC codes, CD-Text and more, then export single high quality master audio files or the whole project in various formats such as WAV, AIF and standard DDP image for replication or Wav Cue files.

Pricing and availability
T-RackS 5 is expected to ship in October 2017, and will be available in both free and paid versions.

T-RackS 5 can be pre-ordered now at special introductory pricing of only $/€99.99 for T-RackS 5, $/€199.99 for T-RackS 5 Deluxe, $/€329.99 for T-RackS 5 MAX and $/€ 199.99 for T-RackS 5 MAX crossgrade (with any registered IK product $/€99.99 and up).

About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. T-RackS™ is a trademark property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac is a trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

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September 7, 2017 – IK Multimedia is proud to announce that iRig® Pro I/O, the cutting-edge high definition audio/MIDI interface for iPhone®, iPad® and Mac®, is now available in the Apple Store® at more than 200 locations worldwide and online.

iRig Pro I/O lets musicians connect all their gear to their mobile devices or computers to make music and produce audio, anytime and everywhere, with a portable, pocket-size mobile studio they can always carry with them. The combo microphone and instrument input allows users to record high definition, studio quality audio anywhere. A MIDI input and output allow to connect keyboards and controllers and a headphone output jack with a dedicated volume control is perfect for use with the new iPhone 7 and its future generations. iRig Pro I/O is a truly powerful, professional and portable recording solution that operates on AA batteries when connected to an iOS device, or on USB power when used with a Mac. When used with an optional power supply unit, it even charges a connected iPhone or iPad during extended sessions. A huge selection of IK’s award-winning apps and software is also included with iRig Pro I/O enabling complete music productions with a total value of more than $/€500.

Being certified MFi hardware (Made for iPhone and iPad) iRig Pro I/O is guaranteed to be plug-and-play on all iOS devices with a Lightning® port using the included Lightning cable while the USB cable included connects Mac computers. iRig Pro I/O works out of the box with popular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software like GarageBand®, Logic Pro® and more.

IK Multimedia is the leader of the mobile music creation revolution as the first company to utilize the power of the iPhone, tapping into it with products like the award-winning iRig line of guitar interfaces and AmpliTube amp modeling software allowing users to plug their guitars and basses into their phones and experience the most authentic amplifier tones and effects anywhere.

Today IK Multimedia offers more Apple certified music and audio creation and production hardware than any other manufacturer, with the widest range of interfaces, microphones, keyboards and other controllers for musicians, producers and podcasters available on the market. All of this is complemented by a full range of software and apps along with other accessories like stands, speakers and video accessories, focused on plug and play, portability and affordability that has made music and audio creation easier for millions of consumers around the world. With more than 50 million software and app downloads and over 2 million units of its iRig branded products sold since 2010, IK Multimedia is the undisputed leader in the mobile music creation category with over 70% market share.

iRig Pro I/O, together with the vast majority of IK Multimedia products are also “Made in Italy” in its fully owned state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that combines the highest quality processes together with a focus on unique Italian world class craftsmanship. This goes together with IK’s social responsibility standards that ensure compliance with the strictest labor regulations in the world along with eco-friendly programs, such as lessening environmental impact by reducing waste, employing smart recycling techniques and reducing power consumption by utilizing roof mounted solar panels to generate electricity.

iRig Pro I/O is available now from Apple.com and at more than 200 retail locations worldwide.

About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. iRig® and AmpliTube® are trademarks property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac, iPhone, iPad and Lightning are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

September 5, 2017 – IK Multimedia is pleased to announce the immediate release of Ampeg® SVX 2 for AmpliTube, a new collection that brings some of the most sought-after and iconic bass amplifiers and cabinets from the Ampeg Heritage and Classic series to AmpliTube for Mac® and PC.

Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube brings more power to bass players and music producers, giving them the opportunity to expand their collection with 2 amplifiers and 2 cabinets from the Ampeg Classic series: the SVT-VR and V-4B amplifiers along with the SVT-810AV and SVT-212AV cabinets. Also included from the Ampeg Heritage series is the highly sought-after B-15N amp and its matching cabinet, the B-15N 115. Ampeg SVX 2 provides the genuine tone, dynamics and feel of these iconic amps thanks to IK’s industry-leading modeling technologies. Dynamic Interaction Modeling™ not only recreates every individual physical component in the amplifier’s design, but also the nonlinear behavior of each component and its interaction with other components in the circuit. This provides an unprecedented level of realism, touch and feel for each amp.

Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube recreates the sound that defined electric bass in virtual form. IK software engineers worked painstakingly with the Ampeg engineering team to ensure that each amplifier and cabinet model has been created with the same attention to detail and authenticity that goes into their physical counterparts. The amplifiers and cabinets available in Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube include:

SVT-VR
The Ampeg SVT-VR is a vintage reissue of an early 1970’s “Blue-Line” SVT head. The preamp stage, power section, and even rocker switches emulate the exact signal path, tone, and vibe of this original rock ‘n’ roll workhorse giving all the growl one might ever need.

V-4B
The Ampeg V-4B 100W all-tube bass amplifier is a remarkable reissue of the legendary 1971 original, delivering the pure tube vintage sound, attitude and unmistakable grind that earned this classic amp a place in bass history.

B-15N
The Heritage B-15N amplifier features distinct switchable 1964 and 1966 channels with Ampeg’s flexible Baxandall type bass and treble EQ controls along with selectable cathode or fixed bias providing the ultimate control over response and tone. The Heritage B-15N meticulously recreates the world’s most recorded bass tone.

SVT-810AV
Powerful, tight and focused bass sound. This is the classic Ampeg cabinet seen on stages worldwide. The Infinite Baffle™ design has stayed the same since 1969 and delivers the punchy, round sound that is the hallmark of Ampeg tone.

B-15N 115
The perfect companion to the B-15N. This cabinet features a 15″ speaker that delivers pure, full-bodied and vintage-sounding tone, reminiscent of the good old ’60s, that suits a wide array of musical genres.

Plug-in and play out
Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube works perfectly with IK’s iRig line of mobile digital interfaces, like the iRig HD 2 or the iRig Pro I/O, to record and process bass tones on the go and on stage with the best-sounding virtual amps and effects ever created. Because Ampeg SVX 2 runs from within AmpliTube for Mac/PC, it offers a full-rig signal path ready to use in any production: tuner, pedalboards, amp head preamp, effects loop, power amp, speaker cabs, mics with room effects, and rack effects. Plus, two complete rigs can be configured and run in stereo.

Pricing and Availability
Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube is available now for $/€99.99* from the IK Multimedia website, the AmpliTube Custom Shop and participating IK retailers. Ampeg SVX 2 for AmpliTube is also available to currently registered Ampeg SVX users for the upgrade price of $/€49.99. Individual amps are available for $/€34.99 each and cabs for $/€14.99 each via the AmpliTube Custom Shop.

About Ampeg: Ampeg, a LOUD Technologies Inc. brand, has produced some of the music industry’s most innovative and memorable products over the past six decades, satisfying the needs of musicians on stages and in studios all over the world. Ampeg products offer incredibly unique features and performance capabilities, which have resulted in numerous U.S. patents under the Ampeg brand name. For more information visit http://www.ampeg.com.

About IK Multimedia: IK Multimedia is a computer music technology company that offers a diverse range of affordable and easy-to-use music production tools with great sound quality and a realistic look and feel. With millions of installations worldwide, the IK range has been adopted by musicians of every level, from beginners to professionals, to gain access to high-end, studio-quality gear from their computers or mobile devices. AmpliTube® and iRig® are trademarked property of IK Multimedia Production. Mac® is a trademark or service trademark of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Ampeg® is a trademark of LOUD Technologies, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

The only keyboard controllers with 25 or 49 full-size keys for iOS, Mac and PC
to offer built-in high definition audio input/output and a massive software bundle

August 24, 2017 –IK Multimedia is proud to introduce iRig Keys I/O, the new breakthrough keyboard controller range featuring a built-in audio interface. It will be available in October 2017 and is now open for pre-order. The only keyboard controllers with 25 or 49 full-size keys to integrate a professional high-definition audio interface, iRig Keys I/O features 24-bit audio up to 96kHz sampling rate, a combo input jack for line, instrument or mic input with phantom power, balanced stereo output and high quality 1/8″ headphone output ideal for use with the latest Apple® devices like the iPhone® 7. iRig Keys I/O also includes all the controls users would expect from a premium keyboard, including velocity sensitive multicolored pads and programmable touch-sensitive sliders, buttons and knobs in an ultra-portable package that includes everything needed to create complete music productions and is unmatched for speed and simplicity to connect and set up.

Built-in professional audio interface
iRig Keys I/O is the only controller range currently available on the market today featuring a professional 24-bit, 96kHz capable audio interface. This keeps cabling to a minimum and makes setting up as fast and easy as just plug and play. For recording the combination input handles 1/4″ or XLR sources and provides the best possible audio quality with a Class A preamp for dynamic and condenser mics (including 48V phantom power), to line instruments along with guitars and basses. When used in live performances the 1/4″ balanced stereo output allows for long cable runs directly to a PA or mixer which is perfect for keyboard players and DJs. All of this makes iRig Keys I/O the ideal creative tool for studio or live use, in any situation, providing a solution that is more convenient and affordable than having to buy a controller and audio interface separately.

Control with touch
Starting with a fast synth-action keybed that improves on all previous IK keyboards, iRig Keys I/O includes all the controls expected from a premium controller and more. Both models feature a volume/data push knob, 4 touch-sensitive knobs on 2 banks (acting as 8 total controls) and 8 multicolored LED velocity sensitive pads. There are also 2 fully programmable touch control strips acting by default as Pitch and Modulation controls. A complete touch sensitive transport and button section rounds out the controls available. All knobs, sliders and buttons are touch-sensitive using capacitive technology for ultra-fast action and immediate feedback, displaying the related parameter value just with a simple touch.

True plug-and-play
Being certified Apple MFi hardware (Made for iPhone and iPad) and thanks to the on-board audio interface, iRig Keys I/O works out of the box with all iOS devices with a Lightning port, including the latest generation iPhone 7 that does not have an audio output jack. The included Lighting cable allows for easy plug-and-play operation with Apple iOS devices and the USB cable connects Mac and PC computers. iRig Keys I/O also works seamlessly with popular Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software like GarageBand®, Logic®, Ableton® Live™ and more.

Goes anywhere
iRig Keys I/O 25 and 49 key versions are the smallest controllers with full-size keys on the market today. This is a great advantage when working in studios or environments where space is at a premium and ideal for the traveling musician, not only for their ultra-compact size but also because they are 25% lighter than the nearest competitor. Furthermore, iRig Keys I/O can be powered by USB, an optional external power supply (that simultaneously charges an iOS device) or with 4 AA batteries for mobile music production anywhere.

Full suite of software included
With over $/€550 (in the 25-key version) and $/€750 (in the 49-key version) worth of IK software and apps, iRig Keys I/O includes an unrivaled selection of software allowing for complete productions when combined with a DAW or free composing and recording software like GarageBand. Included in both 25 and 49 key versions is Ableton® Live 9 Lite™ digital audio workstation, SampleTank 3 sound and groove workstation with over 43GB and 5000 sounds, T-RackS 4 Deluxe mix and mastering suite with 9 EQ and dynamics processors, and the Syntronik Pro-V vintage synthesizer. Plus, iPhone and iPad users receive the full version of SampleTank. Additionally, the 49-key version comes with Miroslav Philharmonik 2 CE orchestral workstation for Mac/PC and the mobile edition for iOS.

Pricing and availability
iRig Keys I/O will be available in October 2017 and can be pre-ordered now from the IK Multimedia online store and IK authorized dealers worldwide for the remarkably affordable price of only $/€299.99* for the 49-key version and $/€199.99 for the 25-key version. In addition to the massive bundle of included software, iRig Keys I/O also comes with 4 x AA batteries, Mini-DIN to USB and Mini-DIN to Lightning cables and a device stand for iPhone and iPad.